Neil Rhodes to continue as Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable

Neil Rhodes will continue to serve as Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable until an investigation into allegations about his conduct will be completed by Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy.

Last week, a judge in Manchester reversed Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick’s decision to suspend the Chief Constable, branding it “irrational” and “perverse” and not taking into account Mr Rhodes’ 27 years of unblemished reputation.

Mr Rhodes returned to his job on Thursday, but his contract as Temporary Chief Constable was due to expire on March 31, with Deputy Chief Constable Alec Wood taking on the role from Monday.

But on Monday morning, the PCC’s office said in a statement: “After discussions over the weekend, the Commissioner Alan Hardwick and Temporary Chief Constable Neil Rhodes have jointly agreed that the best interests of Lincolnshire Police would be served by Neil Rhodes continuing as Temporary Chief Constable.

“He would continue until the completion of the investigation into allegations about his conduct and any consequent procedures were complete.

“The recruitment of a permanent Chief Constable would also be delayed pending this outcome. In reaching this agreement the importance of stability in the leadership of the force was the primary concern.”

Meanwhile, Sir Peter Fahy’s investigation into the allegations that led to the suspension is continuing, and PCC Hardwick said he is “confident that the inquiry will not be drawn out.”

The PCC initially referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, but since the allegations did “not amount to serious corruption or misconduct,” the IPCC referred the case back for a local investigation.

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